Box Elder TreeHardy Planting Zones:3-8Height at Maturity: 30-80 feet.Soil Requirements: Almost any soil, although it prefers wet soil.The Box Elder tree is a hardy shade tree that does well in urban areas since it can thrive in areas near pavement.The tree can have a short rather thick trunk or multiple thinner trunks. It has compound leaves of 3 to 5 leaflets which turn a lovely yellow in the autumn. In the spring it produces samaras also known by the whimsical names “maple wings” or "helicopters." These fruits are loved by birds and squirrels.